Tag Archives: Drama

WOW. What a season. This show brought story telling and acting to a whole new level and the finale certainly didn’t disappoint. I know there were so many wild and crazy theories out there about how this was all going to go down. Ultimately, I didn’t care. And I don’t say that in a dismissive sense. I say it in a respectful sense. Nic Pizzolatto has told such a glorious story from start to finish that I wasn’t concerned with where it was going because I trusted that it would end as it should….and it did.

With so many people speculating as to who the Yellow King was and how all this tied together, it’s easy to get caught up in the prognosticating. But in my humble opinion, the point of the narrative is lost if people only focus on the “who done it.” This show is not Criminal Minds or CSI or even Castle. It’s not about solving who’s the killer at the end of the arc. It’s not about trying to put the pieces together to figure it out. It’s about the story of these two dark, broken men who are solving this crime and how this case has impacted their lives and their journey together as partners and eventually, friends. Now don’t get me wrong, I still wanted to know who the damn Yellow King was and why/how this all happened. But I wasn’t as curious about that as I was to see how the resolution impacted Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson) and Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey.) I wanted, more than anything, for this story line to come to a resolution for their characters. To wrap up their characters’ arcs. See, when you look at this show, they could have been anything….truck drivers, CPAs, tennis pros, salesmen…it didn’t matter. Whatever their profession, the story revolved around how these two men came to be both as individuals and as partners. It just so happened that they were detectives solving a crime that personally connected with both of them (for different reasons) and that was the catalyst to help them work through their inner demons and move away from the darkness and towards the light. And they needed each other to do it.

Marty’s biggest issue was trying to be, in the most benign of descriptions, “the man.” Both at work and at home, Marty wanted to be everything to everyone. Master of his domain. And the harder he tried, the more he went in the opposite direction…whether by his own doing or as the result of someone else’s decisions. At work, he was the guy everyone liked, but maybe not always respected. When he partnered with Cohle he wasn’t happy about it but to appease him, he was told he was the lead, the point man for all cases. Eventually, after several years, that really just became a title with no meaning behind it because everyone knew that Cohle was the one solving the crimes, getting the confections, making the arrests. Marty was just the paperwork pusher. Instead of being the lead dog, he was the ultimate lap dog. Reduced to nothing more than administrative assistant to Cohle. At home, his daughters couldn’t stand him and didn’t want to be around him and his wife (because of her own frustrations at being married to a man with such little inner strength) could be quite the ball crusher when she saw Marty asking and speaking in ways that were less than authoritative. He could be meek and timid and that frustrated her. Marty’s solution? Start banging all these younger versions of his wife to make himself feel like a man again. In the end, albeit way too late, Marty realized that he pushed away the one woman he really loved, destroyed his relationship with his daughters, and is now left with nothing. Or is he?

Rust is the complete opposite of Marty. He never cared about being “the man.” All he cared about was justice. No one liked Rust. No one understood Rust (no one cared to.) And Rust didn’t care. He was on a mission…to seek justice for Dora Lange and the other young children who were kidnapped, raped, and murdered. And he could go after these thugs with reckless abandon because he doesn’t care if he loses his life in the battle for truth. It was that way when he was undercover (and probably why he stayed as long as he did), it was that way when he went undercover again with the Iron Crusaders, and it was that way last night when he went after Eroll Childress. Why did he value his life so little? Because that meant he would be closer to his daughter. If he dies, he’s back where he belongs…with her. I think that’s why Rust was moving around like a breathing corpse because nothing mattered without his little girl and her mom. His soul and spirit died the same day his daughter did. And even though it’s pretty much assumed that’s why Rust is the way he is, you never really understand his level of grief and pain until last night when the walls come down and the vulnerability shines through and we get our first look at the real Rust Cohle.

The best part of watching this season, was watching the partnership/relationship of Marty and Rust evolve into what it became…friendship. These were two men who really didn’t like each other. Actually, I would say Marty didn’t like Rust. Rust’s feelings were buried so deep I don’t think he felt anything. I think it would be fair to say that these were two men who didn’t understand one another. But over the course of the season, as each man grew to know the other better (whether they wanted to or not), an understanding developed. Eventually, that understanding grew to kinship. Because at the end of the day, all they have is each other. They came to learn that the only people who really understood them, were each other. These were two dark, broken men. Whether they were broken at someone else’s hand or their own, their inner selves were destroyed in such a way, it was no wonder they couldn’t have a normal life. Marty and Rust both suffered losses. Rust lost his daughter to God and his wife to grief while Marty lost his daughters and wife due to negligence and self loathing. Either way, their families were gone. What was left? A lot of shattered pieces to be picked up and put back together and inadvertently and painfully, that what Rust and Marty did for each other. Now they needed to shatter those pieces just a little bit more (with Rust sleeping with Maggie) and those pieces were left there for a long time before someone picked them up. But this case brought them back together and as mad as Marty was and as guilt ridden as Rust was, they teamed up to finished what they started. Years later, even when Marty was forgiving Rust, in his own way, Rust wouldn’t have it. He would let Marty let him off the hook. Hell we knew Rust hadn’t let himself off the hook because he never fixed his tail light that broke when they fought in the parking lot. It was his reminder of his weakness and betrayal. And I think that’s how Marty was able to start to forgive him. But once they had their man and they went after him to finally get the justice those victims deserved, you really see how these men grew to trust, respect, and care for each other. When Cohle was being gutted by Childress, Marty came in to stop it and save him. Then when he turned his attention to Marty (after throwing an ax into his chest) Cohle mustered up all his strength to kill Childress. Then Marty crawls over to Rust and holds him in his lap until help arrives. He never leaves his partner’s side. Even in the hospital after he wakes up and Rust is banged up but ok, Marty is still by his side. And even though Rust doesn’t show it to Marty, after he kicks him out with his one finger salute asking him to never change, a smile comes over his face. The kind of smile you get when your friend has made you laugh over something that should be painful. That comfortable acknowledgement that no matter what, they are there for you. That satisfying feeling that you have someone in your corner. It’s confirmed even more so at the end of the show when both men are outside and Marty gives Cohle a present (his Camels) and then rolls him away to enjoy them. We see Rust, not just break down his wall, but throw grenades and set off bombs to bring it down. After everything they’ve been through, he lets Marty inside. He beautifully and tearfully gives Marty what Marty has wanted since the day he met Cohle…and understanding behind the psyche of a disturbed man. And boy does he paint a clear picture. You see it in Marty’s face as he watches him explain how he never felt like he should be here because with each dangerous scenario he put himself in, it was one step closer to reuniting with his little girl. Because at the end of the day, Rust wants happiness and peace. And in his mind, for the longest time, only death could bring that because he would be with his daughter again. But as Marty explains to him that while there is much darkness out there, there is also great light, he lets Rust know that he can find the inner peace he so desperately seeks if he focuses more on the light than the dark. For the first time, since probably his daughter passed away, Rust believes him. As such, he makes Marty take him away and arm and arm they go off into the darkness to seek their light….with one another.

What did you think of last night’s finale and the season overall? Will you be back next year because I sure will! And who would you like to see as the two main leads next year? Let me hear from you!

There are very few episodes of Parenthood that I can say annoy the crap out of me. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever thought that about Parenthood. But last night’s episode had me spitting nails. Decisions that were made, conversations that were had…..UGH. So much bad in 42 minutes. Let’s start with what got my blood boiling the most shall we?

Crosby and Camille

Words cannot describe how much I wanted to punch Crosby in the face between last week’s episode and this week’s episode. At one point, I was listening to his incessant rambling with my mouth agape. I couldn’t believe the things he was saying. Who the hell do you think you are Crosby? Yes you grew up there but it’s not your home, it’s your parent’s home. I mean of course your childhood home is your home when you’re a kid and you live there. But guess what? When you’re married and have a family and have your own home, it’s not your home anymore. And unless you’ve paid a penny towards the mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc on the home, IT”S NOT YOUR PLACE TO SAY ANYTHING!!! How DARE he get in the middle of this. This is the Crosby I thought we sort of grew away from…the selfish, nosy, screwed up, self-centered jerk that thought the world revolved around him and every decision made in the world needs to be made in a way that makes him happy and his life easier. Well he is back.

First he goes to Zeek to tell him that he knows he doesn’t want to sell the house and asks why he’s letting mom push him into something he doesn’t want. And after Zeek very directly and beautifully tells him that it’s because after all his mother has done for this family, she deserves to have something she wants. She wants to travel and if that means selling house to make her happy, Zeek is going to do it because she means more to him that anything else. Then, since apparently that wasn’t good enough for Crosby, he goes to his mother and whines like a 7-year-old about selling his childhood home. Notice he never talks about his siblings….it’s HIS home and HIS room. By the way, since when do grown children say to their parents “when were you going to paint my room without telling me?” I’m sorry Crosby, did you leave your wife and children and move back with your mom and dad and become 12 again? As Camille reminded him, it hasn’t been his room in years. And then the granddaddy asshole comment of all, he tells Camille she is selfish for selling the house. SELFISH!! He told his mother she was selfish for wanting to sell HER house. Is he for real? He actually made that comment with a straight face? Well after losing my voice screaming at my TV, Camille responded better than I ever could:

Selfish. Ok let me put this into some perspective for you. I spent over 30 years of my life taking care of four kids. Some of whom are still living in my house and coming home for lunch. And I spent most of my adult life, compromising myself and what I want for your father. I’ve always put myself second. Or third. Or fourth. Or fifth or sixth. I have cooked your dinners. I have packed your school lunches. I have driven you to play dates and practice and done your laundry well past when I should have. And now when I assert one thing that I want, one thing, you and your dad and everyone else can’t take it. So. If that’s selfish, excuse me.

ROUND OF APPLAUSE CAMILLE!!!! I seriously stood up (actually I was already up screaming at Crosby through my TV) and starting clapping and crying. Good for you Camille. You put your ungrateful, inconsiderate, rude, SELFISH, son in his place. The worst part about it, it didn’t sink in with Crosby at all. I don’t think he really listened to Camille and he got a little too much joy out of listening to his parents fight about this when he’s the cause of their fighting and pain. And for all the times over the years Jasmine has scolded Crosby and given him a hard time, NOW all she has to say is “I told you not to get involved.” Really Jasmine? That’s all you can muster up? Unbelievable.

I sincerely hope this storyline does not go down the path of Crosby getting what he wants and the house doesn’t sell. Or if it doesn’t sell, I hope Camille leaves Zeek and her ungrateful son behind and goes on an adventure of a lifetime and do something just for her….because she deserves it

Sarah, Carl, and Hank

I used to like Hank. He was weird and quirky, but I liked him. Which surprised me because I HATED Everybody Love Raymond. I found the show and Ray Romano, very unfunny. But on Parenthood, I really liked his character and how Romano brought this character to life. But this season, since they seem to be going down the “Hank Has Asberger’s” story line , it seems as thought Hank’s behavior has reached a new level of annoying. Sure he was odd before but it was charming and sweet. Now, he’s just a dick. And I’m not sure if the Aspie suggested diagnosis is supposed to make us accept his rude/bad behavior or if his behavior is getting worse and we’re going to use an Aspie diagnosis to hopefully make people more understanding of Hank. I know I’m saying the same thing but I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m not sure which came first….the new ugly Hank or the Aspie story line. And with all due respect, I’m great with one Asberger’s story line because I find it fascinating, I don’t need another.

This was another story that had me screaming at my TV. Sarah was going to go away with AMAZING Carl to Zimbabwe, a once in a lifetime trip, and decided not to go after a nasty confrontation with Hank. Her reason for not going….it’s the year of Sarah. Really? Year of Sarah huh? So if it’s the year of Sarah, why did you let a man make your decision for you? Isn’t the reason you’re now staying the exact reason Hank yelled at you for going in the first place….a man was distracting you and dictating your decisions? Because when she decided to go to Africa, that was HER decision. But her decision to stay was based off of being bullied by a man. How exactly does that conform with her idea that it’s the year of Sarah? Also it’s the YEAR of Sarah. Not one week in the year if Sarah. What is going to Africa with an amazing, smart, philanthropic, sweet stud have to do with it not being the year of Sarah? Is Sarah not allowed to go away during that year? Can she not have fun? Can she not have an outstanding experience both personally and professionally? Because those seem to be the types of things you’d want to do in a year for yourself. Am I wrong? So instead, she’s going to let Hank bully and berate her into feeling bad about herself to stay because he’s jealous she’s going away with Carl. Because let’s be honest. Hank doesn’t care about Sarah being true to herself. He cares that Sarah is going away with another man other than him. Because if Sarah was going to Africa with Hank, I’m sure there would not have been a problem. While Carl has always seemed to have Sarah’s best interests at heart, Hank only cares about himself. Which is why I hope we haven’t seen the last of Carl because he’s a really good guy and I think he’s great for Sarah and I hope Hank goes back to wherever his daughter is and leaves the show. Jason Katims, DO NOT put Sarah and Hank back together. Carl was good for her. For someone who always struggled to find herself and make her way in the world, Carl not only gave her support but self confidence, strength, and belief. I don’t think you could have found a better guy for Sarah. But what do I know.

Julia, Joel, and Ed

Oh Julia. What are you doing girlfriend? I know this is a brutal time for you. But why, WHY would you go to Ed’s house…wait back up. Why would you make Ed dinner, THEN bring it to his house, then decide that it’s an even better idea to stay and have dinner with him! Seriously woman? What are you thinking! I have no problem with what Julia said to Ed at the sustainability garden (which was basically back off because you’re no good for me.) And I can understand her back being up when Ed shows up at her home unannounced and uninvited to want to talk. Ok Ed, what do you want to talk about with the woman you kissed and assisted in putting her marriage on the hot seat? What made him think that was a good idea? Just because Joel moved out, doesn’t mean he might not be at the house because of the kids. Wow, talk about really dumb or really inconsiderate.

But in fairness to Ed, Julia was out of line in her verbal beat down. Granted, she was probably pretty peeved he just showed up without warning, but that doesn’t mean her comments were accurate. Her tone, however, was completely understandable. While Ed kissing Julia (and Julia kissing him back) certainly didn’t make Joel more secure about his marriage, it was far from being solely his fault the marriage is on the rocks. Ed was right to tell Julia to dig deeper to find the real reason her marriage is in trouble. Eventually, our little Julia does realize he’s correct. But you know what? THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU MAKE HIM CHICKEN MARSALA AND BRING IT TO HIS HOUSE AND EAT IT WITH HIM!! I mean was Katims just handing out stupid pills this week? Sheesh.

I want my J&J back together. They are both at fault and they both need to suck it up and work it out. I know Julia wants to try but Joel needs to pipe down already, move back in, and work on his damn marriage.

Drew and Natalie

First things first. Drew. We need an intervention. For your hair. Have you never heard of scissors? A barber? A flowbee? Get that mess under control. You are an attractive young man but we wouldn’t know it because we can’t see your face behind your out of control Beiber.

Now, it’s time you kick Natalie to the curb. You almost did last night. You did put her in her place and tell her what I have been yelling about for weeks….you can’t have it both ways! A little history. Natalie and Drew connect at first and they’re hooking up and hanging out so obviously (because Drew’s adorable) Drew wants to give her his pin and go steady. But Natalie, being a current woman of the 2010s, tells Drew to go pound sand. They can be friends with benefits but nothing more. After Drew tells her the benefit part has to come with something more, she says they can only be the friend part. Ok, no problem. So then why is Natalie going all Glenn Close/Alex Forrest on Drew? As he reminded her last night, you’re the one who wanted to be just friends and now that Drew is trying to be just that, she disses him. What is with people in this episode?

Like with Ed, I have to be fair to Natalie. I didn’t like the way she treated Amy. She has no right to be bitchy and dismissive when you’re the one who told Drew you’re just friends. So because he’s not pining away for you, he’s the jerk? Whatever. But where Natalie was right was in telling Drew that when Amy’s stay was getting to Jennifer Jason Leigh levels, it was time to do something. Drew wasn’t living his college life. He wasn’t doing anything and experiencing things, both socially and scholastically. He was missing out because Amy was going through a hard time. And while it’s noble of Drew to want to be there for her and help her, he’s hurting himself and Amy by letting it go on as long as he had. Time to cut the apron strings. Couldn’t agree with Natalie more. But where Natalie is wrong is making Drew feel bad for being exactly what she told him to be…a friend. If you like him, speak up woman! If you don’t, then shut your pie hole. Either way, make a decision and stick with it because right now, you bug the crap out of me.

Adam and Kristina

I really have nothing to say on this front other than, I love them. Best couple on the show. Love the school they are trying to build and I hope it works out for them. Oh and SUCK IT CANCER!! You’re not going near my girl again!

That was a lot of anger for a Parenthood post wasn’t it? Wow. That’s so not like me. Except for Crosby. He usually brings out the worst in me even though he hasn’t lately. So I guess he was due for a whopper. And I get so frustrated because I’m an idiot and have a tendency to forget these aren’t real people. But that’s why I love the show. Katims, the writers, the actors…amazing. I feel like I’m watching a real life family so when things happen I tend to react, strongly. I’m uber attached to this family the way Max is attached to bugs and photography. But I need everyone to wake up and get back on track. No more calling your mom selfish or not going on sex trips with hot guys or having dinner with men you shouldn’t. Let’s pick up the pace Bravermans. I have big expectations as the season comes to an end!!!

It’s dumb to say that Parenthood is having a good season. It ALWAYS has a good season. But there are a few story lines that really hit home with me so I’m going to touch on the big ones.

Joel and Julia

This was the couple that historically was kind of on the back burner in regards to the Braverman crew. There is always Sarah’s drama (and Amber and Drew have had lots of story lines.) Crosby and Adam are always front and center. Then there was Julia. Granted last year they got more juicy material with them adopting Victor after trying to have another baby, Julia losing her job, Joel going back to work. They were getting more into the Braverman story line flow. But no matter what was going on with Joel and Julia, like Adam and Kristina, they were solid. Then this season hit. What was once the second strongest relationship on the show (behind Adam and Kristina) is now disintegrating before our eyes.

In the last two episodes, Joel has become more suspicious of Julia’s relationship with Ed. It got ugly last week when Joel punched Ed at a school function because Julia was trying to calmly ask a very drunk Ed to leave her alone and he wouldn’t. So Joel stepped in and not so calmly took care of it. It led to a painful exchange where Joel asked Julia if they were having an affair and she said no. Let’s discuss that for a minute. Do you guys think what she had with Ed constituted as an affair? I don’t and here’s why. While I do believe you can have an affair that doesn’t have any physical component whatsoever, I don’t think that totally happened here. Julia and Ed really started as just friends. That’s all. And becoming a good friend with someone of the opposite sex (or same-sex if you’re gay) does not automatically mean you are having an emotional affair. Let’s clear that up. But I do think that it was starting to cross a line and may have crossed (I’m taking before the kiss) that line but I think as soon as Julia started to realize what was going on, she stopped it. Granted I wouldn’t have done it the way she did, going over to his house I think sends a confusing message, which resulted in a kiss, but I think her intention was to cut it off. See to me, an affair is something you choose to do over a period of time even knowing what you are doing is wrong. Whether it’s physical or not, it doesn’t happen in a vacuum and it doesn’t happen over night. It’s a long process with two willing participants. Are there jerks who cheat for no reason? Sure there are. But I think there is a difference between cheating and an affair. Cheating is solely physical. An affair is emotional, physical, spiritual…it’s a complex issue signifying a greater problem in an established relationship. I know it may sound like semantics and for some people whether you call it cheating or an affair it’s the same thing and I understand that. But for me, I think it’s two different things. In this case the Julia/Ed thing hasn’t been going on that long. They were just friends at first. I don’t think it was until the last month that Julia felt something more. And while she liked being around someone she could talk to and someone who understood exactly what she was going through, once it started to become more and that Joel was making an effort at home, she decided this had to stop. I also think she was confused and alone and made some very bad judgement calls that I’m sure she’d like to take back. But I don’t think I’d call it a full-blown affair. I think it was a friendship that started to turn deeper because of her lack of connection at home as when it did, she ended it. She should have ended it without a kiss but once that happened, she completely blocked Ed from her life. And to be fair, she wasn’t completely honest with Joel when she said Ed kissed her and there was nothing back from her. I don’t think so girlfriend! You kissed Ed right back for a little while so don’t pretend it was all him. But hey, at least she told Joel the truth in that the kiss happened.

Joel and Julia have had many gut wrenching scenes this year but her telling Joel about how unhappy she’s been and what happened between her and Ed and how the friendship evolved, was so sad. But the worst was when she told him about the kiss. You can tell this was killing her because she knew she was going to break her husband’s heart. She looked like she was going to vomit all over the table and I was right with her because I knew what was coming. It was awful. And then to see Joel and how crushed he was and then how angry he was…it was devastating. And I don’t blame him. For the hurt he’s feeling, for the anger he has towards Julia, if I were in his shoes, I’d be the same way. I can only imagine that nothing can prepare you for hearing your spouse tell you they kissed another person. So what happens now? Julia wants to go to counseling and Joel has said he’s done and that their marriage isn’t worth saving. Ouch. I really believe at this point he’s just so hurt and angry (and rightfully so) that he doesn’t want any part of Julia or their life together, except for the kids. I have to believe (or maybe it’s my wishful thinking) that they will work this out. It won’t be this season for sure. But maybe next season by the end, they are working their way back to one another and they’ll be stronger for it. Fingers crossed!

I have to say, the way the writers have handled this is brilliant. It’s not your typical cheating, soap opera story line. This is how it goes down in the real world. And in the real world, good couples and good people make bad choices and then have to deal with the consequences. Some work through it with a lot of hard work and dedication and find a way to rebuild their marriage. Others, it’s too painful and too hard because the trust is broken and they just can’t get it back. So they have to move on. And that happens. I just hope in the case of J&J, the former happens instead of the latter. But I’m scared because Katims seems to be the kind of guy that wants to take a hard road in a story line if it makes sense. He hasn’t yet. When Crosby and Jasmine had their issues and broke up, they got back together (ugh.) When Kristina had cancer, she beat it and survived. When Amber spiraled out of control, an accident happened but not too bad she couldn’t recover. Nothing catastrophic has happened…yet. So why do I have a bad feeling and J&J might be the first big casualty of Parenthood? I hope I’m wrong but I just have a bad feeling.

Max

The story lines that focus on Max’s Aspberger’s Syndrome (AS) are so hard for me because I don’t have a family member or friend with that condition and the last thing I want to do is to come off ignorant or insensitive. But I do want to discuss the handling of Max from Adam and Kristina’s standpoint. But it’s hard because I can’t figure out if how Adam and Kristina are handling the situation with Max, is the correct way or not. I understand that when Max does something awful (like he did with Micah) it’s because he doesn’t understand the emotional impact of his actions. But his parents do. Is trying to fix it with tickets to basketball game really the answer? Isn’t it better (although harder) to explain to Max that when he is so honest, he can then hurt someone’s feelings or offend them greatly because not everyone sees things the way Max does. And as a result, he could lose friends. I mean I don’t want the boy to be afraid to try to make a friend again, but can he intelligently understand that point? I don’t know. I’ve tried to find some forums and blogs of parents with Aspie kids who may watch Parenthood to see what their take is. Mostly I find that these parents hate the show and think that what Adam and Kristina are doing with Max is wrong. That wasn’t always the case, there were some sites where people were very positive on the show and EVERYONE raves about Max Burkholder’s portrayal. The big issue is Adam and Kristina and quite frankly, that’s always been my question. Not being a parent I can only assume that parenting a child with AS is much different from parenting a neurotypical (NT) child (a child without a form of autism.) But, if you’ve read any of my other posts on Max, Adam, and Kristina, I always question just how forgiving parents of Aspie’s should be when it comes to behavior. Because I don’t know. I watch the things Max does and says and I wonder how Adam and Kristina allow him to behave that way. Some I understand he can’t control but does that give Max the right to behave however he chooses? According to some of these sites I’ve read, it doesn’t.

In the case of last week with Micah, Max told him basketball was stupid and that Micah was an idiot for wanting to play because he’s in a wheelchair so he can’t play. Adam’s resolution was ok then apologize and invite him to a basketball game and it will all be ok. What? Is he kidding? I understand he wants to protect his son. I understand he doesn’t want to see Max lose his only friend. I get that. But like Kristina told him, they can’t always clean up his problems for him. At some point he has to realize there are consequences to his behavior and I don’t think Adam and Kristina have always taught him that. Adam has to realize that Micah, who is a NT, isn’t going to be willing to forgive someone who was so rude and offensive to him and that bribing him with tickets to a Warriors game, isn’t going to cut it. But instead of teaching Max this lesson, he tries to just make it go away. How is this good for Max? How is this going to set him up in the future to be able to cope with more challenging circumstances…like if he has as job and says the wrong thing and gets fired. Then what? He won’t have the coping skills to work through it.

It’s also why I think this relationship with Hank has to stop. I used to think it was good for Max and now I don’t think it is. When Max was telling Hank about the situation with Micah, Hank agreed with Max. That is not what Max needs to hear right now, especially not from an adult. Max needs to understand that you cannot speak to people who way. But Hank is basically telling him that he’s right and Micah’s wrong. NOOOOOO!! Not the message that should be sent! But we’re starting to see Hank tangle with his own inner demons wondering if he’s a long-lost Aspie himself. And with all due respect, while I think it would be fascinating to see an undiagnosed adult learn about having AS 40+ years later, I just don’t want to see it. I don’t. I don’t mind Hank as a fringe character but not as a character with his own story line. I just don’t need that right now. And Max doesn’t need Hank right now. I think Adam and Kristina need to get Max back with a one on one counselor (like they had with Minka Kelly’s character) and get him back on the right track. Because if things keep going this way, Max is going to be a very lonely person one day. If Adam thinks his heart is breaking now, try watching your adult AS son that you didn’t help, that you didn’t give coping skills to, struggle in his adult life because you didn’t handle him in the way that was best for him because it was too hard for you. That will be a tough pill to swallow.

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In other news, Amber initially wants nothing to do with Ryan anymore and coldly (but understandably) shows him the door and asks him to go as fast as he can. After Ryan and Zeek talk, Zeek goes to Amber and tells her that while she’s hurt, she does love him and should at least say good-bye to him. Eventually Amber does just that and we have a very tearful good-bye to a character I liked very much. He isn’t ready to be with Amber right now and this whole wedding thing was happening too fast. But it sucks it had to end like that. I guess it could have been worse. Just please, please, PLEASE…don’t kill him over there. I don’t think Amber could survive that.

Sarah got a job as a photographer with Surf Shop, or something like that, with a little help from hottie Dr. Carl and from the fact that Hank was so obnoxious in his interview that the contact for Surf Shop didn’t want to work with him. Problem is, she has no equipment, studio, or experience. So she goes to Hank for help and he’s a real douchbag about it. He makes her admits she’s in over her head and makes her pay him 50/50 of the job. I understand he doesn’t do charity work but you know what, you lost the job because of your attitude. At least the person who got the job has a connection with you and has asked that you work together so you’ll be getting something instead of nothing for the gig. Sarah hasn’t always been my favorite character because of her choices and the way she handles things drive me crazy, but she’s been much better this season and I think she’s really trying to make a career for herself. So what that it’s a bigger job than she’s ready for and who cares how she got it. She has a chance to prove herself and make a name for herself. And Hank made her feel bad about it. Screw you Hank. If I were Sarah, I would have gone to another photographer and worked with them instead. Or, spent some money and got the equipment and started studying hard to get as prepared as possible for the job. Nothing beats experience but she doesn’t need Hank.

That’s pretty much the big stuff. What are you thinking of Parenthood? What do you think about this whole J&J story line? What do you think about the way Adam and Kristina are handling Max? Are you sad about Amber and Ryan? Are you hoping Sarah succeeds? Sound off below!

When I first saw the preview for “Homecoming” after the fabulousness that was “Exodus” the first thing that popped into my head was that Emily Thorne is faking her amnesia. Actually that’s a lie. When she first said “Who am I?” in that promo, I gasped and said “Holy Shit now that’s the way to press to reset button.” THEN I thought, no way she’s faking it. But after watching the episode, now I’m not so sure.

In my mind, one of two things is going to happen (which means neither will) she’s either lost her memory for real and will get it back only to then fake it until she can come up with another game plan. Or she’s doing a masterful job of faking it now and faking it with everyone until she can figure out what to do next. At this point, I really don’t think she’s faking. If she was faking, why in the world would she tell Charlotte that her dad is David Clarke? And next week’s preview appears to show Emily showing her infinity box to Victoria. NO WAY she’s faking. Unless there is some king of CRAZY twist and scheme Emily has concocted she would never show that information to Victoria! So if she really does have amnesia, which I think she does at this point, how long will she have it and when she does regain her memories, will she tell people? And whom does she tell?

I love where the show is potentially going with this. Because let’s be honest, you can only have a show of “revenge on the Graysons” for so long until people start to get tired of the premise because it’s going nowhere. SO you have to do something to change it up. I’ve always thought this was a 5-6 season show because of the premise but now with this amnesia and what it appears the Graysons will now discover about Emily, who knows where it goes from here. It could possibly turn into revenge from both sides…Emily going after the Graysons (once she gets her memory back) and the Graysons going after Emily for lying and deceiving them for so long. I love it!

And I’m just going to throw this out there….PUT EMILY WITH JACK! No more Aiden. No more French girl (although I have come to like her more than I did initially.) This episode shows that Jack still loves her and I believe deep down, she still loves him. Plus every scene they are in, sparks just fly! Emily and Aiden…not so much, at least not for me. So I’d like to see Aiden go and have Emily, Jack, and Nolan be the team that takes down the Graysons.

What do you think? Do you like where the show is going with the amnesia angle? Sound off below!

You know when you’re waiting for an episode of a TV show to air, especially if it’s one of your favorite shows, and there has been all this hype around it…even promotion from the network about how big it is? You start thinking about how awesome it’s going to be. To tell all your friends not to talk to you or call you. You threaten you spouse with something you know they hate if they try to talk to you during the episode. It’s either going to be truly amazing and meet your wild expectations or it’s going to completely flop and absolutely devastate you. Ok maybe devastate is a bit strong but you will really be pissed if this episode sucks. That’s how I felt going into tonight’s much-anticipated (since the season finale of last year) “Hitting the Fan” episode. So. Did it live up to the hype or did it crash and burn like Goose from Top Gun? IT TOTALLY ROCKED!!!! It completely blew me away.

You know an episode is so well done when you know what’s coming (for the most part) yet it still keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. That’s what tonight was like. I knew Will and Diane would be pissed and hurt at the same time. I knew David Lee would be out for blood. I knew Cary and Alicia would be scrambling (as did LG) to keep their clients on board. I knew there would be screaming, yelling, blame, tears, accusations, papers flying off desks, security guards…the whole nine yards. But to know it’s coming vs. actually watching it unfold in front of you and see the performances the actors gave, it was breath-taking. I knew the two hardest scenes would be Will an Alicia and Cary and Diane. Cary and Diane had a special bond and Will and Alicia, well, we know how special their bond was at times. But beyond the personal connections, there were professional mentorships there between them that really punch them in the gut. It would be one thing if either Cary OR Alicia were leaving. But to have it be both and together? Wow. No wonder it got ugly as quickly as it did. There were a few surprises (Peter’s involvement and the turncoat Beth) and there was one person I was unsure how this was going to play out for them even though I had an idea but you still never know and that’s Kalinda. Let’s break it down.

Will/Alicia

You knew this was going to be the tough one. Especially if you were a Will/Alicia fan (which I was not.) But even being a Team Peter person, it was still hard to watch Will walk down that hallway to Alicia’s office with visions of them sleeping together and laughing during happier times. He just can’t believe she would do this to him. When he gets to her office he starts off calm but then when she apologies and tells him it’s time for her to try something new, he snaps. He pushes everything off her desk and lays into her. “I took you in. No one wanted you. I hired you. I pushed for you. You were poison. This firm got you back on your feet.” Well when you put it that way she does seem out of line for leaving. You can hear the pain in his voice. This isn’t just “a business decision” as Alicia put it. This was personal. They were friends from college. And he’s right, when she and Peter were disgraced, LG helped her. When Diane had an eyebrow raised in her direction, Will always had her back. He gave her the good cases. He trained her. He mentored her. He fell in love with her. This was absolutely personal to him. With Alicia it couldn’t not be personal. Anyone else, it’s business. Not with her. Maybe that isn’t fair, but it’s the truth.

He fires her on the spot and asks her to leave. She immediately tells him that he can’t and that he ask to get the equity and other partners gathered to take a vote to get her out since she’s a partner. It buys her some time to try to get files and the word out. Neither are going very well because Will shut down all access to files for everyone and slowly but surely the 4th years leaving were getting found out and fired one by one. Later, after the partner votes have been taken to oust Alicia, Will returns with 4 security guards to escort Alicia to the elevator. She once again tells Will it wasn’t meant to be personal and he tells her he doesn’t care, as coldly as he can. Which leaves Alicia breaking down in the elevator once the doors have closed.

But the sadness and hurt quickly go away when the claws come out and it’s a race to see who can get to the clients first. I think my favorite exchange of the night came when one of Alicia’s clients called her and when Will caught them on the phone, he asks for the phone from the client and begins having it out with Alicia. They start exchanging nasty grams back and forth until the finally tell each other to go to hell. But before Will hangs up, he tells her that Grace called and needs Alicia to call her school to give permission for her class trip. Both tones change back to friends for half a second when she asked how long ago it was when she called and he tells her about 40 minutes. “Ok thank you.” “You’re welcome.” It was hilarious! It showed me that even when the dust settles, which won’t be for a reeeeeeeeally long time, those two will be friends again someday. They may never get back to what they were, but they will move past this…in about 15 years.

Cary/Diane

This was another one of the many relationships I loved over the years. So it didn’t surprise me to see Diane in Cary’s office when he got into the office that morning. She has already taken his computer and immediately laid into him about his decision to leave. Diane also has the same “I was your mentor, I stuck out my neck for you” speech although hers lacked the violent thrusting of phones and papers all over the place. Cary reminded her that they did fire him all those years ago and where was having his back then. She then reminded him why that happened and as soon as they could get him back, they did because she made it happen. Cary wasn’t struggling with this as much as Alicia so he wasn’t really buying what Diane was selling and I don’t think Diane was as hurt as Will so I’m sure she really cared all that much if Cary believed her.

Eventually, before she left his office, she fired him but not before he STUPIDLY let it slip about Chum Hum being unhappy with them and giving her the inside scoop that LG’s biggest client (outside of Lamond Bishop) is planning to go with Florrick & Agos. Cary, Cary, Cary. How dumb can you be!!!??? It was a huge slip that had a great payout at the end of the episode. But just like Will and Alicia, eventually these two will get over it and be civil with one another. Although they shouldn’t take the same 15 years.

Lockhart Gardner vs. Florrick & Agos

The gloves are off. The lines in the sand have been drawn. People with this much raw emotion are bound to rip each other to shreds and that’s exactly what starts happening. Although I have to say, if I needed to get down and dirty, I’d want David Lee on my team. Advantage: LG. Lee and the other partners, including Will, start calling clients and insinuating that Alicia and Cary were not on the up and up and didn’t represent the best interest of the client and therefore were removed from their positions. Meantime, F&A are trying to call the same clients but with less man power they keep getting to each person just slightly behind LG. So they are quickly starting to lose clients. Thank God they have Chum Hum right? Right? Hello, is this mic on? WE HAVE CHUM HUM RIGHT? Not so fast.

Cary doesn’t want to waste any time and wants to meet with Neil Gross (John Benjamin Hickey) as fast as they can. As soon as they start walking up the steps, boom, injunction filed by LG is served to them barring them from speaking with Chum Hum. Gross tells them to call him when they sort it out. They go to court it’s Alicia, Cary, and Carey on one side with Will, David, and Diane on the other. It’s nasty, it’s caddy, and it’s brilliant. The judge upholds the injunction and F&A are forced to find another way. Alicia comes up with an idea for an injunction of their own. When Will and David go to meet with Chum Hum, boom, they get served with the same injunction from F&A. “Call me when you get this sorted out” Gross says now to LG. So each side has an injunction against them barring them from speaking with Chum Hum. I don’t know why Chum Hum doesn’t just drop them both and find a new firm at this point.

Later, Diane goes to Alicia’s home to offer a truce. Each party drops the injunction and they each get 1 hour with Chum Hum to pitch. At first Diane says that F&A presents first and LG is after them. Dumb Carey insists they switch and Diane is amenable to that request. After LG presents and is leaving, David tells F&A, you never want to go second. They barely get up the steps when Neil tells them he’s staying with LG. So the firm of F&A is sunk before it leaves the dock. Or is it?

Governor Florrick to the rescue with a plan to ensure Chum Hum goes with the new F&A (see plan below) and it works. By the end, they are all toasting the landing of a $35 million client and how they are in desperate need of stationary and laptops. F&A is not dead yet!! But this means Will and LG have declared war on them and everyone else in Chicago.

Alicia/Peter

Wow did I love them in this episode. First, I love Peter having Alicia’s back. I mean of course he would, he’s her husband. But he was fierce in his loyalty of her. And since Will Gardner slept with his wife, it finally gives him the ammunition to destroy him. He’s never been able to truly go after Will because he runs his wife’s firm. If it hurts LG, it hurts Alicia by extension. Now, with Alicia gone, it is open season on Will for Peter.

Now I have to imagine, the comment he made at the press conference would have never happened in real life. Because I have to imagine that would come back to bite him. Especially once everyone learned that the biggest internet provider, Chum Hum, went with Florrick & Agos and thereby Peter’s idea for taxing said companies goes away. He smartly protected himself by saying that he could be persuaded to think another way and change his mind thus leaving the door open to him changing his mind. And as a result, instead of Chum Hum staying with LG, they made the switch to F&A to the tune of $35 million a year!!! I bet Melissa George’s character will have something to say about that when she gets wind of what Peter did. While I love it as him being her husband, it was a horrible move as Governor. Really man, what were you thinking!

Enough about that. Let’s talk about sex baby. Let’s talk about you and me. Ok not you and me I just couldn’t get Salt and Pepa out of my mind. WOW. What a scene. So she gets fired, is trying to start a new firm, moves said firm into her house for the night, is trying to land clients, and STILL has time for a quickie with her husband. As I said on Twitter earlier….my hero!!!!

In the end, Peter asks to see Eli and tells him, he’d like a new list of name for the Supreme Court. He’s looking to replace Diane and Eli looks legitimately stunned. “Are you sure” he asks? “Yes” Peter says very matter-of-factly. So much for not letting personal matters interfere with business decisions. I guess Diane’s hand will be forced in regards to LG. I thought she would choose to go back to LG to help Will in the fight to save the firm. But now that the judgeship will soon be off the table, looks like she won’t have a choice.

Kalinda

Last but never least….Kalinda. How hurt do you think Kalinda was that Alicia didn’t want her to join her firm? I mean Cary asked but never Alicia. Partly because, she didn’t know Alicia was in on the new firm. She never told her. Now with all this going on, Will asked her to make a choice because he’s gunning for everyone, especially F&A, in Chicago. It will get dirty, nasty and vicious. He asks Kalinda if she can do that knowing that she’s friends with those guys. She says she can. Time will tell. I think the tough one for her will be Cary. But I think Kalinda had to say that to Will because 1.) she feels guilty she knew about Cary leaving for 3 months and 2.) she knows that eventually Will will cool off and the tension won’t be too bad. But I do think she has his and LG’s back.

The breakup of the friendship between Kalinda and Alicia was brutal. It’s a hard one to recover from. I know there are some people who think Alicia overreacted to Kalinda because she didn’t know her at the time and there are other people who think she’s completely justified because she is someone who slept with a married man. I can see both sides but I side with the faction of people who thought Alicia was justified. Not to mention, I don’t know if I could continue a friendship with someone knowing she slept with my husband when I was married to him. That’s a little creepy. I think it’s been pretty clear for a few years now that that friendship is pretty much dead in Alicia’s eyes. They have been cordial and even shared the rare tequila shot together but it wasn’t the same. It never could be. But I guess Kalinda wasn’t sure and maybe even thought they had moved past it. Well this should be the ultimate sign that they aren’t close and therefore, she really no longer has an allegiance towards Alicia.

With this new revelation, it made the decision pretty easy for Kalinda…stay with LG until the dust settles (if it ever does) and whatever happens, happens. Kalinda is not an overly sentiment or emotional person so this should be easy for her. In theory, that’s true. In actuality, let’s see what happens and how it plays out.

WHEW! I’m exhausted after that! I’m really excited because this was a true game changing episode. Writers and show runners throw that term out way too loosely these days in regards to their shows. But if you needed to know what a bona-fide game changing episode looks like, watch “Hitting the Fan.” Also check out Lost S3 E22 “Through the Looking Glass.”

The look of this show will never be the same. It was always about LG with a little politics thrown in. Now, it’s LG and F&A and how the new “relationship” (for lack of a better word) between these two firms evolves. These were teammates. Now, they’re enemies. The connections and bonds formed between all parties, will never be the same. We will be following Will and Diane and the new Will and Diane. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see where this take us this season and moving forward. CBS, you better not cancel this show!!!!

What did you think? Did this episode meet your expectations? Did it exceed them? Did it fall flat? And what do you think will happen down the road?

Parenthood is having another great season. This is the type of show that can go for 10+ seasons because there is always something new and real going on with each of these families and I’m invested in all of them…even Zeke and Camille’s storyline is great. So let’s jump in.

Kristina/Adam/Max

Max has really been flourishing working with Hank and learning how to become a photographer. And as it turns out, he’s really good. As it also turns out, not surprisingly, he’s not always appropriate when snapping photos of people. Max is now on the yearbook staff and he’s role is to take pictures for the yearbook. The problem is, Max doesn’t want to take traditional yearbook photos. He wants to get real moments with real people. And I can’t disagree with him. And you can do that for the yearbook but maybe he could be a little more subtle. And maybe he can pick better moments. While the picture of the crying girl was a beautiful picture, it wasn’t appropriate because of the way he did it. And she asked him not to do it and he kept doing it anyway. This resulted in the parents calling the school and the head of the yearbook having to bring in Kristina and tell her that Max is being moved to layout. It results in lots of back and forth over what’s right and wrong, feelings are hurt and it ends with Kristina telling Max he’s being moved to layout and that it sucks.

It’s always hard to comment on stories about Max and his behavior because I’ve never been around a kid with Asperger’s and it’s slightly unfair to make judgments and assessments without that knowledge. And I certainly don’t want to be ignorant or disrespectful but I will try to comment without sounding like a jackass! You all know how much I love Kristina and specifically Monica Potter. But the one time Kristina gets under my skin is when it comes to Max, she thinks he should be able to do whatever he wants because of his condition regardless of how it impacts other people. I think, she thinks, Max deserves exceptions and I take an exception with that. Again, this comes down to me not understanding Asperger’s very well and as such, I don’t know what Max can and can’t control. I don’t know how much leeway he should be afforded. I know that Asperger’s kids have a hard time with social connections. But from the little I do understand, they can read clues that can reveal how people around them are feeling. Max knew this girl was crying and upset but that didn’t stop him from taking her picture even though she asked him not to. So when he was moved to layout from photographer Kristina wasn’t happy and thought that because Max was so good he should get to be the photographer. She even called in the principal to back her up regarding how good Max was on student council. Unfortunately that backfired on her as well because the principal confirmed that Max was very hard to deal with and made the experience not as fun for the other students. So he backed the yearbook supervisor and Max got demoted.

It has to be tough for the parents. And I love Kristina for wanting to fight for her kid. And she should. But that doesn’t always make it right. And I think part of it comes back on her. She always fights so hard for Max to get to do what he wants to do, I’m not sure if he’s learning that whether he likes it or not or whether he thinks it’s fair or not, his actions have consequences. He has to use what he’s been taught to assess situations to make better decisions. It’s can’t always be that he gets to do what he wants when he wants. Kristina was trying to explain this to him when Hank started butting in. Hey Hank, mind your own business! Let Kristina handle her son. I think he gave her horrible advice because he told her how good he was and that’s what he should be doing. All that did was fire up Kristina to keep pushing for Max and I don’t think this is a fight they should win…and they didn’t. How about, no one said Max could stop taking pictures. He just can’t take them for the yearbook any more. Ok Hank, then you hire Max and you have him take pictures. Find another way. But Kristina likes to push the square peg in the round hole when it comes to Max, regardless of how it impacts everyone else. Remember the vending machine? Ugh. But you can tell how hard this is on her. You can tell that she hates if Max is negatively impacting other children’s experiences. But I think it also kills her that Max can’t have those experiences the way other kids can. So what’s the right answer? I have no idea. But in this instance, I think the school was right and Max will have to find another way to channel his new-found talent.

Joel/Julia

When did the second strongest couple on the show become the most fragile? I know, I know it’s been happening for a little while now when they adopted Victor, Julia lost her job, Joel went back to work, Sydney and Victor aren’t always getting along, Victor is struggling in school, Julia is struggling to find her place again, Joel’s trying to re-enter the work force again. Yep, it’s all building up. And I think you see each person judging how the other person is handling their former role and it isn’t going over very well.

Joel does comment on the way Julia is handling the kids or he says nothing but has a tone and exasperated look on his face. Julia meanwhile is trying to tell Joel how to stand up for himself and he’s not being strong enough with Pete and how she would see people like him get taken advantage of. So neither one is really appearing to be there for the other. And the thing I hate most about this, is that it’s all leading to either Joel or Julia cheating with Penny from Lost or Roy from The Office. Or maybe they both cheat. Although it would be an interesting story. Not that I’m rooting for one or both of them to be unfaithful, but it would be fascinating to see how it all plays out.

I think they biggest problem is, they aren’t taking care of each other. They are so worried about Victor and Sydney, about Joel getting this business off the ground, that neither of them is taking the time to talk about how all this is impacting them. I think Julia is being so driven about helping Joel because she feels like she isn’t contributing anymore. She had a major career at a law practice, on the partner track, and now she’s packing lunches and settling Windex fights, and it isn’t enough for her. There are many people where being at a stay at home mom is completely rewarding and fulfilling…it’s one of the hardest jobs out there. But for Julia, she needs more, and she isn’t wrong for feeling that way. With Joel, he has the stress of this start-up company and being the only person bringing in a salary right now, I think he’s putting a lot of pressure on himself to make sure this works. But instead of each of them putting the kids to bed, grabbing a glass of wine, and talking about this, they are keeping it bottled up and everyone once in a while, like last night, sometimes it spills over and out. Eventually, it will just explode. Explode meaning affair. It’s coming people. It’s just who’s it going to be and when.

Zeke/Camille

You all know I’ve never liked Zeke’s character. But this season I’ve felt a little better about him (he’s been so great with Victor), except when it comes to Camille. I think this is such a great storyline. You have two people who have been together for a really long (I’m guessing at least 40 years) and now they are looking for their “Act 3.” Actually Camille is looking at that and Zeke is perfectly happy living out his life doing what he’s doing in their home. But that’s not enough for her.

I think the part that’s most upsetting to me is how disrespectful Zeke is to Camille. Camille has brought up the idea that it might be a good idea to sell their huge house and downside and maybe take some trips together. Zeke basically said no and walked away and wouldn’t talk about it. Then he goes out and buys a car, without speaking with Camille, and the car needs to be completely rebuilt, it’s a year-long project, and it’s a complete slap in Camille’s face. How can he do that to her? How could he be so disrespectful of his wife’s feelings and so dismissive of her feelings? My heart broke for her. When she opened up to Julia about how she feels like she lost her voice in their marriage and she doesn’t know how to get it back…that was awful to me.

I’ve heard of people who have been married, 25, 30, 40 years getting divorced after all that time and I never understood why. After seeing these last few weeks, now I get it. Camille is still young and there is a lot she wants to see and do. She should go do it. If Zeke is going to be like this, then if I were her, I would plan a trip, pack a bag, and go without him. Maybe take Sarah or Julia with you. But I would go and leave him behind with his damn car. I just don’t understand how he can hurt her like that. And I’m sure it’s tough. That’s his home and there are so many memories there. I can understand not wanting to leave that. But it will happen at some point. Don’t you want it to be on your terms? Maybe he doesn’t. Maybe he wants to spend the rest of his life in the home where he and his wife built their family. I completely understand that. What I don’t understand is not telling your wife how you feel and not having a conversation with her about it and then slapping her in the face buying that car so it forces her hand. Especially since it’s such a great project for Victor. She’ll look like the bad guy and that’s not fair. But I wonder if she leaves him. Again, I think that would be another great storyline.

Sarah/Amber/Ryan

Not a whole lot going on here except that Amber is still mad at Sarah for not supporting her. Ryan is mad with Amber for not cluing him in. And Sarah is still walking around looking miserable. Seriously, this woman needs some happy in her life.

I see both sides to this. I can see Sarah being concerned for Amber. And instead of being pissed at her, Amber should understand that her mom is only looking out for her. Amber, historically, has not made the best decisions in her. In some cases, they’ve almost been catastrophic decisions. So for her to be so angry at her mother for wanting her to take a step back and really make sure this is what she wants to do, seems ridiculous to me.

On the flip side, one of Sarah’s concerns is Ryan’s lack of family and his zero desire to have any of them there. How is that any of her business? She can ask the question, but if Ryan says no and he has his reasons why, then respect that. It doesn’t make him a bad guy. It just makes him someone not close to his family. Although the one thing I will say, I think Ryan should be more open with Amber about his family. She is going to be his wife so I think she does have a right to know what’s going on. So he should at least clue her in. The fact that she didn’t know his father passed away, is a bit strange to me. Sarah doesn’t need to know that, but Amber does.

Eventually, Ryan goes to see Sarah and gives her a brief history on his background….father is dead, mother remarried a guy 6 months later that beat the tar our of him while still grieving over the death of his father. So he said good-bye to that abusive situation and started his life anew. And he tells Sarah “not everyone has a family like yours.” He’s right. And I think that’s one thing the Bravermans don’t get is that they think they have this great family and either everyone wants to be a part of it or everyone else has the same type of family life. No and no. But I think this is the wake up call Sarah needed. Although it appears next week she is still pushing Amber to cancel the wedding.

The Lunchonette

They are starting their new label with the douchbag lead singer of the band whose former label dropped them. They were having creative differences but Crosby worked it all out and now they are good to go. And that’s really it for that story. Oh and Jasmine and Crosby are still crazy tired and worn out keeping up with their new baby girl.

What did you think of Parenthood this week? What did you think about Max? Was it completely unfair or justified? What do you think will happen with Joel and Julia? Camille and Zeke? Let me know!

It’s a toss-up for me for favorite new show of the season with Sleepy Hollow and The Blacklist. Both shows are very different and both fabulous in their own right. Overall there isn’t a lot I don’t like about Sleepy Hollow. However, there are some parts of The Blacklist that make me raise my eyebrows. Such as, don’t you find it interesting that all this elusive, dangerous, highly sought after criminal just make it so easy for the FBI by always having business in DC? They never have to go anywhere! Also, why is everyone so angry all the time? I get why Lizzy might be on edge, what with her husband being, whatever dangerous entity he is. But why is Ressler and Malik always in a bad mood? Seriously these people always look like they are ready to rip each other’s heads off. But finally we got a smidge more insight into Ressler that might explain that a bit.

Every single episode has been really interesting and I love the different types of madmen and women they have been coming up with. That must be a fun time in the writers’ room….sitting around thinking “what can we have this person be that’s just really sick and twisted. I KNOW! Let’s have this middleman be the human version of a woman’s handbag!! He’ll feel no pain and have everything from keys to flash drives to Burt’s Bees lip gloss in there!” Seriously though coming up with these criminals has to be awesome. And so far, they have been doing a tremendous job. Between last week’s The Stewmaker (and knowing what he did, that name is beyond disturbing) and this week’s The Courier, these criminals have been down right creepy, scary, and very dangerous.

The Case revolved around The Courier who is a middleman hired by two parties to complete high-end or dangerous transactions. The Courier’s insurance, if anything goes wrong, on either end, he kills both parties. So you take a huge risk using him but you know the job will be completed to 100% satisfaction with no worries of him coming back later. Since Red knows he’s in town to do another job (kidnap a NSA agent for an ex-French intelligence agent) you know the exchange won’t go smoothly. And it doesn’t. Now it’s a race to find Seth (the NSA agent buried alive by The Courier) before he dies. Since the one party is dead and The Courier isn’t talking, their only option is the French agent turned club owner. Ressler goes undercover as The Courier to get the location of Seth’s body. She wants proof he’s who he says he is so he slashes his arm with cut glass (which looked really painful) with wincing once. But it’s not enough. She knows the deal with the Courier and if he was really him, she would be dead already. His cover is blown and a shoot out ensues with Ressler getting away. Eventually, Superman, I mean Red, goes to the club and gets the info Ressler couldn’t in exchange for saving her life and getting her away. In the end, they are able to save Seth’s life, the Courier is killed, and another name is checked off the list.

Let’s talk about Tom. I have no idea where this is going…and I love that. I see this thing with Tom going one of two ways, which means I’ll completely wrong about both. Option 1: Tom is being set up. All evidence points to Tom being a bad guy or at the very least a big fat liar. Lizzy found the box containing the gun used in the murder in Boston, money, and about 10 different Passport IDs. The more she uncovers about the case, the more she turns skeptical of Tom and who he really is. The last thing we see “linking” Tom to the crime is a surveillance picture of him leaving the scene of the crime and him being listed as the potential killer in the report Red was able to get for her. Usually when things are that obvious they scream that it’s too obvious therefore it can’t be true. Plus, when he found the box, his first call was a panicked phone call to Lizzy wanting to talk to her. He called her over and over again and then waited for her at home with the box laid out. Why do that if you’re guilty? Wouldn’t you run? Or kill her? He appeared freaked out by what he saw so that indicates he didn’t know anything about this. How does this relate to the surveillance team, who could be the people setting Tom up. Who they are and why they are doing it is still a massive mystery. Could they be part of Red’s team? Could they have something to do with Lizzy’s father? Could they be government agents? I have no idea at this point. Option 2: Tom is a deadly bad guy. Sometimes we have a tendency to over think what is clearly right in front of us. And right in front of us is a lot of evidence showing that Tom isn’t who he says he is and might be a little bit scary. I think this could be all part of his act to make Lizzy think he has no idea what the box is and to put her mind at rest that he isn’t this double agent she might be starting to think he is. Why would he do that and not run? Maybe because his assignment is not complete. Maybe he’s being blackmailed into doing whatever he’s doing. It make sense why the surveillance team is there. They are watching him to make sure he holds up his end of the bargain or to make sure he’s doing his job. The flip side of that argument though is that they just put the equipment up recently. Wouldn’t it have been up the whole time? Unless something changes recently causing the surveillance to be necessary. I’m hoping it’s option 2 because I think it would be a lot more interesting if he’s duplicitous vs. the good husband being set up. And if he is a double agent or something else entirely, who is he? Who is he working for? How does Red know so much about him? Remember when he asked Lizzy what she knew about her husband in exchange for more information about the Courier? He thanked her for telling him the truth. How would he know that? He would know because he already knows who her husband is and the whole story behind him. Could he be #1 on Red’s Blacklist? Is that why he’s so obsessed with Lizzy? So many questions!!! And I’m ready for them to be answered slowly. I like that each week we get more and more layers of the onion peeled back. I just hope it doesn’t go too quickly. Quite frankly, I’m surprised the box reveal happened this soon.

One crazy projection I have and I’m just going to go out on a limb and say it….Keane and Ressler will fall in love. They hate each other right now. They don’t trust each other right now. She’s married to someone who could be on Red’s list. It’s a perfect romantic story!!! I’m telling you, you heard it here first. At someone point in the series, those two will get it on and be in love.

How are you enjoying The Blacklist? The ratings are strong, the writing is strong. The acting could be a teeny bit better but with James Spader stealing every scene he’s in every week, it really doesn’t matter.